Gas/flatus, excessive

Alternative names:

aerophagia; excessive flatus/gas; flatulence; flatus, excessive; fullness after eating; sensation of gaseous abdominal fullness

Definition:

Flatus or flatulence is air or gas in the intestine that is passed through the rectum. The expulsion of air from the digestive tract through the mouth is called belching or eructation.

Considerations:

Gas is formed in the large intestine as a result of the action of bacteria on undigested food. Intestinal distention from gas causes abdominal pain which may be crampy, colicky and sometimes severe. Inflammation of the intestinal wall may cause increased sensitivity to normal amounts of flatus.

Even though it can cause discomfort, excessive gas is usually not a serious symptom.

Common causes:

• air swallowed while eating, causing discomfort and fullness after eating (aerophagia)
• eating non-digestible foods (such as excessive amounts of fiber)
• eating non-tolerated foods (as in lactose intolerance)
• acute pancreatitis
• irritable bowel syndrome (with abdominal pain)
• malabsorption (inadequate absorption of nutrients from the intestinal tract), often accompanied by diarrhea
• use of antibiotics

Note: There may be other causes of flatulence. This list is not all inclusive, and the causes are not presented in order of likelihood. The causes of this symptom can include unlikely diseases and medications. Furthermore, the causes may vary based on age and gender of the affected person, as well as on the specific characteristics of the symptom such as time course, aggravating factors, relieving factors, and associated complaints. Use the Symptom Analysis option to explore the possible explanations for excessive gas, occurring alone or in combination with other problems.